1990 240 duct removal for wiper motor replacement

I am trying to replace the wiper motor on my 1990 240dl. I'm having a problem getting to where the wiper arm connects to the motor because of the duct work in the way. I can remove the horn connected to the right dashboard vent without a problem. However, I cannot disconnect the assembly directly behind/below the glove compartment (which has an air vent pointed toward the floor) from the central assembly to its left. There is a join but it appears to be hooked or fastened toward the engine side and I don't know how to release it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Jeff.

[classicswede]

Have you tryed removing the glove box? If you have and still cant gain access reply and I'll look at a scrap car and see how it comes apart, I think they are a push and twist fit.
Dai

Hi Dai,
We're removed the glove box. The first thing we see are accordion vents for the heating system, then part of the stereo system (amp?), and behind that a black plastic duct (about the diameter of a small fist) running across the width of the glove box; that's what we have to remove. It is in two parts that look like they should be capable of pulling apart, but they don't--it only moves about 1/2" then stops, like there's a screw or something blocking it from going further. We just feel a little square metal something on the back of one part of this duct, as well as a tiny almost pointy thing on the other part of it. Behind the duct is the motor. Sure is different from the 1988 240. We're wondering if the duct was non-original, something new introduced when the a/c was upgraded. Anyway, we really appreciate your response and willingness to help!
Thanks,
Donna & Jeff

Hi Dai. Your reply inspired me to go back out to the car and try the push and twist approach. Didn't work. Why? Some *&!@+ had actually stapled the two ends together--found four of them! We both were looking around for something like that causing the problem but I guess the secret to finding such things is to only try after midnight with a floodlight. Anyway, once they were removed, all it took was a bit of force to pull the two pieces apart (a clip on the right lip provided some resistance). The next trick was to wrestle off a clip on the wiper arm (where it joins to the small bar attached to the wiper motor) and voila we were in business! Now all we have to do is to find another grommet (if that's the right thing to call that tarry seal on the motor); probably try calling the Volvo dealership tomorrow. Anyway, YEAH! Thank you again for your inspiration and kind offer of help. Hope we can one day return the favor. Donna

[Clifford Pope]

The tarry thing is actually very important. The dead space between the scuttle and the panel on the inside is a duct where water that omes in through the scuttle grill runs on its way down to the slot at the bottom of the wing by the cill. The holes where the wiper spindles go are fertile sources of water ingress.
If you are replacing the motor check that the spindle parks in the same orientation as the old one. I once fitted a secondhand motor and then found the wipers parked on the wrong side. I had to move the arm round 180 degrees, I think.

Thanks for your advice, Clifford. Today we found out that here the tarry stuff is called Dumb Dumb. Volvo told us they don't have it because their mechanics never use it--hardly ever have to replace the old wiper motors (then again, they mostly service new cars). Calling around, we found it is only available from auto body shops which will only sell it in 50' increments; we need maybe 6". Jeff decided to try to make the seal himself using string caulk (the kind of stuff you press into windows). Anyway, we'll definitely check the spindle orientation as you suggested. Hopefully, by tomorrow night, that will be one less project; only about 7 more to go. Thanks again for the help! Donna